Windows 8 Toughbook - semi-rugged convertible tablet

Panasonic has launched the Toughbook CF-C2, one of the most durable and flexible business convertible PCfs designed for sales work forces, white collar field engineers and healthcare workers. The device is the first Toughbook to be designed to take advantage of the new Windows 8 Pro operating system whether in clamshell or tablet mode. The core Panasonic Toughbook range will be Microsoft Windows 8 ready from December 2012.

The Toughbook CF-C2 is designed for mobile workers that need to multi-task and have multiple ways of data input using a performance PC with a full 12.5in HD screen. The new CF-C2 is more rugged with a smaller, more compact form and a new enhanced triple-hinge system for even more stable operation.

The capacitive 5-finger multi-touch display can be used both in tablet and clamshell mode as the screen remains rigid to the touch due to its rugged enhanced triple hinge. Setting it apart from its competitors and making it ideal for any mobile worker out in the field, the screen comes standard with IPS technology allowing extra wide viewing angles, strengthened glass, high contrast ratio and 500 cd/m2 high brightness paired with a Panasonic anti-reflection layer.

With its third generation Intel Core technology, the device has the processing power to deal easily with the needs of its users without the need for a fan, offering silent and reliable operation. The high performing, low power consumption Intel Core i5-3427U vPro@Ultra Low Voltage Processor (1.8GHz, up to 2.8GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and state-of-the-art storage options (4GB RAM standard, extendable to 8GB and 500GB HDD standard and 128GB or 256GB SSD optional) make the CF-C2 one of the most versatile and powerful devices in its class.

The Toughbook CF-C2 has a bridge battery, which can be configured to meet the needs of its users’ working and weight requirements and the main battery can be changed without powering down the device, offering seamless usability. The standard 6-cell battery configuration will deliver approx.11 hours operation (Mobile Mark 2007, 60cd/m2), the 3-cell smart battery delivers approx. 5 hours operation and the 9-cell high capacity battery provides approx.15 hours of use.

The semi-rugged CF-C2 has been designed to easily deal with the knocks and scrapes of a busy mobile workers day. The device can withstand drops of up to 76cm (6 angles), comes with a water resistant keyboard and touchpad and strengthened glass on the LCD.

As well as the tablet and notebook operational modes, the CF-C2 comes with an ergonomic and removable, triangular hands-free strap making the device easy to hold and operate with one-hand in any position – portrait, landscape or anywhere in-between.

For users needing to Skype or capture photographic images of documentation in the field, the CF-C2 is equipped with a high quality HD 720p front web camera and a high resolution HD 720p rear documentation camera can be optionally added.

With a variety of business expansion options and configuration slots, the CF-C2 can be tailored to perfectly meet the needs of the workforce. Ideal for field and service engineers, an optional serial port allows diagnostics and measurement legacy devices to be connected to the Toughbook. In addition, other business options can be added via the flexible configuration ports, such as VGA ports or modems.

The device is also optimised for connectivity whatever the location and includes Bluetooth 4.0, Wireless LAN a/b/g/n and optional Sierra MC8305 3G module.

In industries where security and information protection are mandatory, such as healthcare, the CF-C2 can be equipped with a near field communication or smart card slot. vProTM is a standard feature that allows for easy IT management of the device. Intel® Anti Theft and Computrace security features are also supported.

“The new Toughbook CF-C2 is one of the most durable and flexible business convertible PCs in the market,” said Jan Kaempfer, Head of Marketing of Panasonic Computer Product Solutions. “With its desktop-like performance, high class connectivity, long battery and advanced mobility technologies, such as enhanced triple hinges, bridge battery and ergonomic hand-free strap, this device is the perfect work companion for sales work forces, white collar field engineers and healthcare workers.”

The Toughbook CF-C2 goes on sale in Europe from December 2012. The device will be available from Panasonic official distributors, Premium Partners, ISV Partners and Registered Partners at an estimated street price of €2,149 + VAT for the standard model.